San Diego remembers the 9/11 tragedy

San Diego might be a few thousand miles away from New York City, but that didn’t stop people from being affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks 10 years ago, and that wont stop the city from paying its respects on the tenth anniversary this Sunday.

There is a multitude of events happening around the San Diego county area designed to unite citizens in observance of the heroes and victims who lost their lives on that tragic day 10 years ago, including a ceremonial bell ringing at 10 a.m. when all businesses, police and fire stations will sound their sirens for a full minute in remembrance.  Here is a list of some of the other events that will take place throughout the day on Sunday.

Memorial Service on the USS Midway

On Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. a ceremony paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks will be held on the top deck of the USS Midway battleship downtown.  Events will include an 11-star wreath laying ceremony, a US Navy flyover, a twin helicopter flyover, a twenty-one gun salute and a reading of the names of the victims accompanied by a tolling of the bells.  The ceremony is open to the public, with admission prices for the Midway museum costing $18 for adults.

9/11 Heroes Run

Throughout the nation on Sunday, communities will be holding a 5K heroes run with the goal of never forgetting the sacrifices of all of the heroes of September 11th, and San Diego’s takes place at 8 a.m. in Mission Trails Park.  The event is open to the public and costs $25 to enter, with proceeds going to the Travis Manion Foundation.

Freedom Walk 2011

Throughout the country on Sunday, citizens will be gathering to participate in Freedom Walks that are designed to unite the nation in the act of walking together.  So if you, your family and your friends feel like joining together to walk and reflect on the events of 9/11, head down to De Anza Cove in Mission Bay.  The event is free and open to the public, and registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

Memorial Wreath at UCSD

At 7:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, a wreath will be placed at the base of the 9/11 commemorative tree on Warren Mall on UCSD’s campus, and will remain there until sunset.  There will also be a moment of silence on campus beginning at 12:15 p.m.  Also taking place on UCSD’s campus later on Sunday is a speech from UCSD alumnus and prior House representative Timothy Roemer.  While in the House of Representatives, Roemer served on a 9/11 commission that interviewed over 1,200 witnesses and reviewed over 2.5 million documents and his speech will be regarding his experience.

Yoga for 9/11

If your in the mood to relax, reflect and get some exercise, head to Bonita Cove in Mission Bay Park for a yoga and 9/11 remembrance ceremony.  Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the opening ceremony begins at 9.  Yoga and meditation will be from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. with a closing ceremony to follow.  The event is open to the public and costs $35 a person.

Live Music and More

Several communities around San Diego will be hosting concerts and other sorts of tributes in honor of 9/11 on Sunday afternoon.  Escondido will host an event at 1 p.m. at the Train Depot in Grape Day Park, where the names of the victims of 9/11 will be read, and at 5 p.m. in the Lyric Court with patriotic arts and crafts, a live band, and other family friendly activities.

The residents of Temecula will gather at the Duck Pond at 6:30 p.m. Sunday night to light a candle in remembrance and send it floating off into the pond, after which will follow a live band, speeches from city officials, and light refreshments.  Citizens of Oceanside are planning a gathering as well, beginning at 2 p.m. at the Oceanside Band Shell and featuring guest speakers, a gospel choir, and a Johnny Cash tribute band.  And last but not least, the First Presbyterian Church on Date Street will be hosting a tribute event Sunday evening at 6 p.m. at which the chaplain of the U.S. Senate and a San Diego Fire Chief will give talks and members of the San Diego Symphony will perform.

Sports Tributes

When the 9/11 tragedy struck, sports and entertainment quickly took a back seat to grief, family and friends.  On Sunday afternoon the NFL season kicks off, but again, the victims of 9/11 will be the center of attention.  Each NFL game, including the San Diego Chargers, will feature a pregame ceremony of remembrance, and on Sunday night, two New York stadiums will host pregame ceremonies broadcast live as the New York Mets are featured on ESPN’s baseball game of the night and the New York Jets are featured on NBC’s football game of the night.  It should be pretty powerful, so be sure to tune in.

photo courtesy of Tom via wikimedia commons